John Hilward Rhodes, Jr. passed away suddenly on May 22nd in Schenectady, NY. He was 61 years old.

John was born on August 13, 1963 at St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady and grew up in Niskayuna. He attended Saint Helen's and graduated from Niskayuna High School. While at Niskayuna, John played basketball for both Freshman and JV teams.

As a history and economics major, John attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he excelled academically making the Dean's List numerous times. He was also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and did a semester abroad at Oxford University.

John was always seen as a friend to all and was extremely gifted and talented. He truly had a "Beautiful Mind". John could ace an exam without even cracking a book, was well-versed on many subjects and topics, and enjoyed keeping up with current events.

He had a zest for life and enjoyed being out and about around town. His mother dubbed him the "country gentleman" because of how John carried himself, his generosity and how he treated others. He was lighthearted, mild mannered, soft spoken and enjoyed dressing for the occasion.

Growing up, John excelled at most sports. He was especially gifted with baseball, beginning with the Niskayuna Little League through the Majors, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack, as well as other local baseball and all-star leagues. He truly loved the sport, enjoyed going to the batting cages when he could, and loved his Yankees.

John enjoyed family outings, backyard BBQ's, Sunday steak dinners with his mother and traveling to places like Maine, the Jersey Shore, and Texas. He looked forward to West Point Football games, shooting hoops, listening to 80's music and flying to visit his mother, whom he loved and cherished after she relocated to Plano, Texas.

John will truly be missed by all that knew him (especially his siblings). He'll be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor and amazing personality. Our brother was truly a gem.

John was a communicant of North American Martyrs Roman Catholic Chapel, Hudson Fall, NY.

He was predeceased in death by his loving parents, John H. and Marion Rhodes. John is survived by his siblings Olivia R. Rhodes, Arthur E. Rhodes, and Christopher M. Rhodes (Rita); his Aunt Anne R. Swartzman, and many loving cousins and friends.

Donations in memory of John can be made to North American Martyrs Roman Catholic Chapel, P.O. Box 334, Hudson Falls NY 12839 or to the Schenectady City Missions, P.O. Box 760, Schenectady, NY 12301.

At the family's request, there will be no visitation. A Requiem Mass will be held at 9 am on Saturday, June 21st at Saint Athanasius Church, 409 Shady Drive, Endwell, NY 13760, followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City.